2016-12-22 04:03:02
Playfully referred to as the People’s Republic of Boulder, this foothills city is known for progressive attitudes stemming from its hippie heyday. Today it’s characterized by scientific research centers, the University of Colorado, artsy folk and hyper-athletic citizens. Just 45 minutes from Denver’s airport, with 45,000 acres of gorgeous and easily accessible wideopen landscapes, a walker- and biker-friendly compact downtown and plenty to do, you’ll be just as inspired as the locals to enjoy a day packed with activity. MORNING The pedestrian Pearl Street Mall is the city’s hub. Fuel up at any of a dozen coffee shops alongside students and freelancers clicking away on their laptops. Then, spend time strolling along Pearl Street, lined with historic buildings that now house boutiques and longtime favorites, like the Boulder Book Store, Art + Soul Gallery and Alpaca Connection. Try to stop yourself from watching the mall’s buskers and talented open-air performers. For more shopping, head to Twenty Ninth Street, an outdoor mall headlined by H&M, The North Face and Apple. Hook up with Boulder Walking Tours to see Boulder through its neighborhoods, historic areas and open spaces. THE FLATIRONS, EFRAÍN M. PADRÓ Saturdays and Wednesdays (May–October), stroll Boulder Farmers’ Market (2). One of the state’s best, it has a strict sell-what-you-grow policy and a lovely setting next to Boulder Creek. Chefs are often spotted shopping here, so you may taste market veggies during dinner. Creativity is found in every corner of Boulder, with more than 30 galleries, four museums, many theaters, dance studios and a large number of cultural performances each year. And two new art-film houses have recently opened to share innovative filmmaking — the Boulder Art Cinema downtown and the Boedecker Theater (aka “The Boe”) at the Dairy Arts Center. AFTERNOON Head next door to the Dushanbe Teahouse to admire the intricate paintings and carvings adorning this building, shipped piece by piece from Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan. Have a bite to eat and order a pot of tea from the exhaustive menu. BOULDER FARMERS’ MARKET, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA Discover the hiking trails that cater to avid outdoor lovers. National Historic Landmark Chautauqua Park has a network of trails to suit every level of hiker and will give you an up-close view of the Flatirons (1) — the slanting slabs of red sandstone that are Boulder’s most recognizable landmark — framed by a meadow that blooms with summer wildflowers. Stop into Chautauqua Dining Hall, which has been serving Boulderites since 1898. EVENING Boulder was named the “Foodiest Town in North America” by Bon Appétit, so dinner at one of the city’s restaurants is a must. Wander around Pearl Street for plenty of award-winning options, including Provencal-inspired Mateo; Pizzeria Locale’s Neapolitan pies (brought to you by the chefs at another Pearl Street favorite, Frasca Food & Wine); or The Kitchen, an eco-friendly bistro that pairs food with decadent brews. For more ideas, visit bouldercoloradousa.com, where the city’s chefs describe their favorite ways to explore the city. After, visit a brewery to taste the local suds and take a tour — there are more than 20 now, pretty serious for a town of 100,000 people! Pick up a Boulder Beer Trails brochure at area visitor centers, take a walking tour from Boulder Brew Tours or catch a ride on the Colorado Brew Bus. Then head to OAK at fourteenth, where Vanity Fair-featured mixologist Bryan Dayton demonstrates the art of handcrafted cocktails for your sipping pleasure. WINTER FUN While not a traditional ski town, Boulder was named a “Top Winter Town” by National Geographic Traveler for its proximity to skiing and charming downtown vibe. The magazine cites the ability to ski nearby Eldora Mountain Resort in the morning and head back down to town for a hike or bike ride in the afternoon. Non-downhill skiers love Eldora’s Nordic Center, which offers lessons and trails designed specifically for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. FROZEN DEAD GUY DAYS IN NEDERLAND, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA SIDETRIPS Boulder is also close to Rocky Mountain National Park (1 hour), Eldorado Canyon State Park (15 minutes) and Golden Gate Canyon State Park (45 minutes). You can confidently claim that Nederland, just a half hour outside of Boulder, will be unlike any other town in your vacation repertoire. Case in point: Each March Frozen Dead Guy Days celebrates the remains of a man who died of a heart attack in 1989. His family keeps his body preserved in dry ice in the hopes that future science can revive him. Celebrate Ned’s nutty culture with craft brews, art and live music. Stroll downtown and experience the ambiance by browsing around local shops and restaurants. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Boulder (page 197), Eldorado Springs (page 202), Louisville (page 208), Lyons, Superior, Westminster (page 214) QUICK TIP West of downtown, wander to picnic-perfect Eben G. Fine Park, where you can sit on Boulder Creek-side rocks and dip your toes in the rushing whitewater — the temperature will literally take your breath away!
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